Posted on: September 23, 2021
Island Health is pleased to share with you that Eunice Joe has agreed to serve as Acting Vice-President, Indigenous Health and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the remainder of Dawn Thomas' secondment to the Ministry of Health.
Since joining Island Health as an Executive Director in the spring, Eunice's grounded leadership and presence has brought tremendous value – within the Indigenous Health portfolio and across the organization. Her secondment from the First Nations Health Authority has helped strengthen our partnership, and we look forward to the contributions and knowledge she will
bring to the Island Health's executive team.
Island Health is prioritizing action to respond to instances of Indigenous-specific racism in the healthcare system, collaborating with key partners to advance the creation of an Anti-Racism Strategy, while simultaneously updating important processes within the health authority to address racism and respond to the issues raised in In Plain Sight.
Eunice's voice at the Executive table will ensure focus on this priority work. As Executive Sponsor of the Anti-Racism Steering Committee, she will ensure that the organization is responding to issues of racism raised in guiding reports, including In Plain Sight, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, the findings of the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
We know Eunice is the right leader to support organizational accountability for responding to issues of racism, by creating a coalition for action across Island Health portfolios, and with the FNHA and with our Indigenous partners and communities.
Our tremendous thanks to Krista Allan, who has been leading our Indigenous Health portfolio in addition to her work as VP, Knowledge and Practice, and Chief Nurse Executive. We are truly so fortunate and grateful to have her caliber of leadership so willing to serve.